Comparative Pharmacology
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ABSTRAL versus DURAGESIC 25.
Peer-Reviewed Evidence
Head-to-head clinical analysis: ABSTRAL versus DURAGESIC 25.
ABSTRAL vs DURAGESIC-25
Comparing the clinical profiles, pharmacokinetic behaviors, and safety indices of these two therapeutic agents.
Fentanyl is a potent mu-opioid receptor agonist, producing analgesia and sedation by activating G-protein coupled opioid receptors in the central nervous system.
Fentanyl is a mu-opioid receptor agonist that produces analgesia and sedation by mimicking endogenous opioids in the central nervous system.
For breakthrough pain in opioid-tolerant patients: initial dose 100 mcg sublingual tablet, titrate across strengths (100, 200, 300, 400, 600, 800 mcg) as needed; maximum 2 doses per episode, minimum 2 hours between episodes.
Apply 25 mcg/hour transdermally every 72 hours; initial dose in opioid-naive patients: 25 mcg/hour is not recommended; use lower strength or immediate-release opioid first.
None Documented
None Documented
Terminal elimination half-life: 6-10 hours (mean 8 hours); prolonged in elderly and hepatic impairment
Terminal elimination half-life 22-25 hours (range 13-31 h) after 72-h transdermal application; prolonged in elderly, hepatic or renal impairment
Renal: ~70% as metabolites (primarily fentanyl conjugates and norfentanyl), ~10% unchanged; Fecal: ~9%; Biliary: minimal
Renal (75% as metabolites, <10% unchanged); fecal (9%)
Category C
Category C
Opioid Analgesic
Opioid Analgesic